Whether or not you're interested to see A&E explore the psyche of one of movie history's most famous killers through the prequel series 'Bates Motel,' you've got to admit that Vera Farmiga would make one hell of a Mrs. Bates. The 10-episodes series will debut in 2013 with an as-yet-unknown cast of characters but now we can at least get a look at the face of Norman's tormentor. After all, the last time we saw her, she was just a skeleton!

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that 'Up in the Air' and 'The Departed' actress Vera Farmiga has landed the pivotal 'Bates Motel' role of Norma Louise Bates, mother to the iconic serial killer of Alfred Hitchcock's thriller masterpiece 'Psycho,' Norman Bates. The 10-episode series will debut on A&E next year, chronicling the formative years that turned Norman Bates into the psychotic killer moviegoers know him to be.

Developed by ‘LOST’s Carlton Cuse, ‘Bates Motel’ marks Cuse’s first genre TV project since ‘LOST’ ended in 2010. ‘Friday Night Lights’ writer Kerry Ehrin will also join as a writer/EP working with Cuse. Says Cuse of Farmiga's casting, “[Farmiga] is a phenomenal talent who has demonstrated incredible range and intelligence in a number of landmark film roles, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her join our project."

But just who is Norma Louise Bates? According to the official 'Bates Motel' casting description, she may not be as evil as once thought. “Mother of young Norman Bates. She’s complicated, passionate, and compelling, Norma Louise is a smart, multidimensional character who is always capable of surprising us.” No one has yet been announced to take the role of young Norman.

So, does Farmiga's casting bring a bit of prestige to the project, or does ‘Bates Motel’ sound a little too psychotic to succeed as a series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!